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Arts and Culture

A Book a Day Recipe Writing Contest underway for K-5 students

March 7, 2022

A Book a Day, a local initiative that donates newly published children’s books to public schools in West Philadelphia, has been holding writing contests for children since the beginning of the pandemic.

Their third contest is currently underway and is dedicated to food and cooking. This contest will be broken into four phases based on the four seasons. The first season is called “Warmth of Winter”.

“Our goal now and for future rounds of these contests is to be as inclusive as possible and reach as many communities as we can,” writes So Young, A Book A Day’s senior assistant manager. “This is not only educational for our children but it is also an exciting task to look forward to as they will win free books, cooking materials and also get their recipes published!” Continue Reading

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Curio to present ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ – first production since Spring 2020

March 4, 2022

Ebony Pullum as Billie Holiday (Photo by Rebecca Gudelunas)

West Philly’s Curio Theatre Company is gearing up to present its first production since Spring 2020. Starting March 19, the company will present Lanie Robertson’s critically acclaimed play, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, which explores the life of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday during one of her final performances in Philadelphia.

Company member and Barrymore Award winner Ebony Pullum is starring in this production, directed by Katrina Snobe.

Seating is cabaret-style (with low barstools and tables for three) and very limited, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you choose one or two seats at a table, you may have someone sitting with you. Continue Reading

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Barnes West seeking West Philly artists for Everyday Places project

February 10, 2022

Barnes West, a collaboration between People’s Emergency Center CDC and the Barnes Foundation, is seeking West Philly-based social impact artists and artist groups to participate in the new Everyday Places Artist Partnerships. The program is offering six artist partnership opportunities in West Philadelphia at everyday, neighborhood places like grocery stores, corner stores, restaurants, and parks.

The goal of the program, which launched in 2021, is to highlight the intersection between art and community and to provide an opportunity for local community members to experience and engage with art right where they live.

Interested artists and artist groups are invited to submit their proposals until Friday, Feb. 18. Artists working in any medium are welcome to apply – painters, sculptors, mixed-media artists, performers, writers, musicians, and muralists. Continue Reading

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Black History Month events at PEC, Penn Museum and more

February 8, 2022

Here are some more Black History Month events and happenings in West Philly. If you missed our post on what’s happening at the Free Library of Philadelphia branches in celebration of Black History Month, click here.

People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation are sponsoring an essay/arts contest for Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Share your vision of peace through love for your neighbor,” and submissions are accepted in one of three formats: a written essay (250-500 words), spoken word (1-minute limit), or visual arts (submit as a jpg or png image). The winner in each category will receive a $100 gift card! Last date to submit is February 21. Please send submissions to: kevinb@pec-cares.org  Continue Reading

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One For All arts organization expands in West Philly, offers private studio spaces for artists

February 3, 2022

One For All, a non-profit arts organization based in West Philadelphia, has recently expanded and opened a private studio space for emerging artists at 4111 Lancaster Ave.

The new studio features “a kitchenette, bathrooms and community areas on [two] floors,” writes One For All founder and director Parker Jackson. “There is also a functioning elevator, heat, air conditioning, wifi and multiple security systems in place.”

One For All’s new art studio spaces are mostly medium-sized, many of them have windows, and are moderately priced, starting at $75 a month. One studio has a recording studio within a medium-sized studio space and can be used by a musician. Continue Reading

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Free Library branches hosting free events in celebration of Black History Month

January 31, 2022

In celebration of Black History Month, many Free Library of Philadelphia branches will be hosting special events for both children and adults, including book readings and discussions, lectures, arts and crafts, and other educational and fun events and activities. Here’s a list of events happening in West Philadelphia branches and on-line this week. For more events, visit this page.

Monday, Jan. 31, 6:00 p.m.

Walnut Street West Library (40th and Walnut):

W. E. B. Du Bois’ The Ordeal of Mansart Community Reading Group – Stop by the library for a community reading group of W. E. B Du Bois’ classic novel The Ordeal of Mansart. W. E. B. Du Bois was a public intellectual, sociologist, and activist and profoundly shaped Black political culture in the United States. This is a weekly event through Feb. 28. Click here for more information. Continue Reading

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